Unknown to B. F. Tracy, January 1, 1865
Col. B. F. TRACY, Commanding Post :
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following inspection report of the condition of the prisoners of war at this station for the week ending January 1, 1865:
Conduct—much improved. Cleanliness—good, better than it has been. Clothing—very fair. Bedding—I think there is plenty. State of quarters—greatly improved. State of mess-houses—good. State of kitchen—very good. Food, quality of—very fair. Food, quantity of plenty. Water—abundant. Sinks—fair. Police of grounds—much better than I have ever seen them. Drainage—good. Police of hospital—good, except Ward 7, which was very dirty. Attendance of sick—good. Hospital diet—the very best. General health of prisoners—has improved some. Vigilance of guard —good.
Remarks and suggestions.—There are ninety-five cases of smallpox and nine deaths during the week. All clothing has been destroyed belonging to them. There has been a great change in the conduct and cleanliness of the men (for the better), on account of recent orders issued by Lieutenant Colonel Moore, commanding the camp, and if strictly carried out will add much to the discipline of the camp. Convalescent Ward No. 4 is unsafe for use. The sides gave way Saturday evening on account of the heft of the roof, being four thicknesses of lumber on them. If they were shingled they would be more safe and
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Captain, Twenty-ninth Maine Veteran Vols., Inspecting Officer.
The ceiling of the hospital wards is completed and the wards are
now very comfortable. I have the honor also to report that the conduit for conducting a stream of water from the Chemung River through
the prison camp is fully completed and works like a charm. It proves,
waste and quicksand in the bottom of the cutting. Through a considerable portion of the cutting we struck the coarse gravel of what seems
once to have been the river's bottom. Through this the water ran quite
freely, compelling us to use the pump extensively. Quicksand was